The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reveal the identities of companies and contractors who allegedly received over N167 billion in mobilization fees from 31 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) without completing the corresponding projects.

In an open letter dated November 30, 2024, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, the organization urged President Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to identify the contractors and recover the misappropriated funds.

The civil society group also demanded transparency regarding the projects funded by the N167 billion, including details of the locations, the contractors involved, and the amount each contractor was paid.

SERAP cited the 2021 audited report from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation as the source of the information, highlighting that the funds were allocated for contracts and projects that were never executed.

Further, SERAP requested that the government disclose the names of the shareholders and owners of the companies that collected the funds without carrying out the projects.

The group also urged President Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and relevant anti-corruption bodies to prosecute the companies and contractors responsible for the misappropriation.

According to SERAP, publishing the names of these contractors would serve as a deterrent to future corruption and encourage accountability.

The organization stressed that holding the companies accountable would help reduce public sector waste and fraud, improving the efficiency of government spending.

SERAP also highlighted the case of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET), which reportedly paid N100 billion to contractors for projects that were never completed.

The letter pointed out that 30 other MDAs, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and the Federal University of Gusau, were also implicated in this scandal.

“These contractors and companies may also be complicit in grand corruption,” SERAP stated.

The organization concluded by urging the government to take action within seven days of receiving the letter. If no response is received, SERAP indicated it would resort to legal action to compel the government to act.

Failure to address the corruption allegations, SERAP warned, would allow companies and contractors to continue undermining public trust and obstructing the country’s development by misappropriating funds meant for essential services.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has responded to concerns surrounding the controversial tax reform bills, stating that he is not opposed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but insists that only Lagos would significantly benefit if the bills are passed.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Governor Zulum clarified his stance on the tax reform proposals currently under review in the House of Representatives.

He emphasized that while he has been a strong supporter of President Tinubu, the tax bills would only favor Lagos, leaving the remaining 35 states at a disadvantage.

“I am a strong member of the APC and have supported President Tinubu from 2019 to 2023. I was also the first governor to publicly call for power to shift to the South,” Zulum said.

“However, regarding these tax bills, if they pass as currently proposed, only Lagos will stand to gain.”

Zulum explained that during a recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, he and other stakeholders had advised the Federal Government to pause the process and conduct further consultations.

Despite this, he said, their advice had been misrepresented by some, leading to misunderstandings about their intentions.

“I believe in consultation, which is central to democracy. We are asking for the right to be consulted. This is not an attack on the president but a call for a more thorough discussion,” he said.

In recent weeks, the tax reform bills have sparked tension between the Federal Government and the 36 state governors, with many demanding a delay to allow for more input.

Zulum had previously called on his colleagues and northern stakeholders to reject the bills, warning that they could harm the region’s economy.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also called for fairness and transparency in the review process.

Governor Zulum emphasized that his call to suspend the bills temporarily was not rooted in opposition to the president but in the desire to protect the interests of all Nigerians.

He pointed out that after reviewing the bills, it became clear that the reforms would disproportionately benefit Lagos, leaving other states, including the north, southeast, south-south, and even parts of the southwest, at a disadvantage.

“I am not an economist, but from our calculations, we believe only Lagos will benefit. Even Lagos State itself told us they would incur losses if the bills were implemented,” Zulum noted.

He questioned the urgency of passing the bills, given the potential negative impact on other regions.

“Why the rush? We need time for more consultations. This is a democratic process. We must thoroughly examine these bills before they become law,” Zulum said.

The governor concluded by reiterating that the call for more time is not about opposing the president but about ensuring the tax reform does not harm other parts of the country.

“We need to understand the details before proceeding,” he said, stressing that most of the revenue generated by the new tax system would likely go to Lagos.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has responded to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) following Gowon’s revelation that he had intervened to prevent the execution of Obasanjo during General Sani Abacha’s regime.

Obasanjo was among those imprisoned by Abacha’s government in the late 1990s on charges related to an alleged coup attempt.

Speaking at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Plateau State, Gowon shared that he had written a personal letter to Abacha, asking for clemency on Obasanjo’s behalf.

Gowon explained that in his letter to Abacha, he emphasized that leaders are chosen by God to do good, not evil.

He also disclosed that he sent the letter through his wife to Abacha in the dead of the night, hoping to persuade him to spare Obasanjo’s life.

Gowon expressed his joy that Obasanjo was eventually released after three years in prison following Abacha’s death in 1998, and that Obasanjo later became Nigeria’s president in 1999.

Obasanjo, who was unaware of Gowon’s intervention until this revelation, expressed his gratitude at the carol event the following day.

He acknowledged Gowon’s efforts and thanked him for the letter, which he only learned about at the event.

“When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank many people who contributed to my release, both within the country and internationally.

However, I did not know that you personally wrote to Abacha for my release until you mentioned it yesterday. I thank you for that,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo also took the opportunity to commend Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his developmental initiatives and peace efforts, urging him to continue working for the progress of the state.

It is worth noting that in 1975, Obasanjo and the late General Murtala Mohammed overthrew Gowon in a coup, a significant event in Nigeria’s military history.

Chief Paul Orajiaka, the Labour Party’s senatorial aspirant for Anambra South Senatorial District, has vowed to improve the region’s prospects if elected.

He made this commitment during his week-long tour of the district, where he interacted with party members and local executives.

Orajiaka shared his plans for the district, seeking the support and blessings of party members in his bid to become the next Senator representing Anambra South.

“I believe our shared passion will inspire everyone, and together we can secure a collective victory for the benefit of our zone,” he stated.

In Nnewi North, Orajiaka was warmly received by the local Labour Party structure, where discussions focused on strengthening the party and ensuring a successful Senatorial election.

At Ihiala, Orajiaka, who hails from the area, expressed his deep gratitude for the support from his hometown, stating, “The love and faith shown by the people of Ihiala are beyond words. I’m committed to delivering value-based leadership to our zone.”

During his visit to Nnewi South, Orajiaka addressed party members at the Amechi Town Hall, emphasizing his goals for the zone and why he believes he is the right candidate to represent them in the Senate.

In Aguata, Orajiaka highlighted the importance of unity within the party, stressing the need to choose a candidate who is passionate about delivering effective leadership for the people of Anambra South.

At Ekwusigo, Orajiaka was welcomed by the party’s local executives, who expressed their dedication to securing a win in the upcoming bye-election for the vacant Senate seat.

The tour continued in Orumba South Local Government, where Orajiaka paid a courtesy visit to Labour Party Deputy State Chairman Rev. Christian Orajekwe and received a warm reception at the Palace of Umunze.

He took the opportunity to discuss his aspirations and gather support from the local community.

Orajiaka concluded his tour in Orumba North, where he was welcomed by Hon. Paul Obu, the State House of Assembly representative, and the entire local Labour Party structure.

He thanked the people for their hospitality and reaffirmed his commitment to working for the greater good of Anambra South.

“I’m grateful for the warmth and encouragement I’ve received throughout this tour. Together, we will build a brighter future for Anambra South.”